Cleveland Browns official statement on team's sale

The Cleveland Browns official statement on the sale of the team by owner Randy Lerner to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam:

The Suburbanite

Writer

Posted Aug. 2, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 2, 2012 at 2:21 AM

Posted Aug. 2, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 2, 2012 at 2:21 AM

Randy Lerner today agreed to sell a majority stake in the Cleveland Browns to Jimmy Haslam, CEO of the Tennessee-based Pilot Flying J Corporation, along with his family. The sale is subject to a review by the NFL and a vote of the league’s owners at a later date.

“This is a very exciting time for my family and me,” Haslam said in a statement released by the team. “To own such a storied franchise as the Cleveland Browns, with its rich tradition and history, is a dream come true. We are committed to keeping the team in Cleveland and seeing it get back to the elite of the NFL — something all Browns fans want and deserve. We plan to bring relentless dedication and hard work to every aspect of this organization, and we look forward to getting to know this team and community as quickly as possible.

“Our family is committed to becoming an integral part of the Cleveland community. We also want to thank Randy Lerner for his friendship, counsel and support during this process.”

A press conference with Haslam will take place at the Browns’ training facility Friday.

For the last 16 years, the 58-year old Haslam has been the CEO of Pilot Flying J Corporation, the nation’s largest retail operator of travel centers and truck stops. A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Haslam and his wife, Susan “Dee” Bagwell Haslam, have three adult children, Jim, Whitney and Cynthia.